How to preserve that slightly rusted weathered look?

[josiah77]

I have a Western Flyer Hi-Lo with that just-right slightly rusted look and I don't want to sand/repaint and loose the original decals and what is left of the original paint. Is there a good way to prevent further rusting and to preserve it's current weathered look? I buffed it with some WD40 on a rag but I'm worried this will eventually harm the paint? Any info is appreciated!

 

[deven_science]

I think the simplest way would be to just paint a clear coat layer over the whole thing. Should seal and freeze it as it is now.

 

[Bill in Houston]

clear coat may darken it a bit, but it should still look really good. anyplace where you put wd40 on it, you should prolly hit with carb cleaner or something to make sure the clear will stick.

 

[Voyager Al]

I use polishing compound with OOOO steel wool, and wax to preserve. I keep all my bikes inside, so no rust happens..

 

[Toeslider]

From my experience with a lot of rusty stuff, just keeping it out of the elements will keep it from changing almost indefinitely. I have had rusty objects in my garage that haven't changed appreciably in 20 years. No climate control to speak of, just out of the wind, sun and rain. Taking a bike out occasionally shouldn't change it much, unless you're riding it near salt water or in a lot of mud.

 

[Onewheelsqueel]

If ya want to seal it try using spray polyurethane for wood finish. Love the look of rust with satin poly on it.

Heres my Columbia with satin poly.

 

[sleepy]

^^^ Columbia looks beautiful....the satin poly gives it a deep, rich, fine furniture type of appearance. 8)

 

[Denver Razorback]

I've been using Boiled Linseed Oil, which can be purchased for about $10 at Home Depot. Here is a picture of a bike where the frame, fork and rear rack received one coat.

Thanks, John

 

[FlordiaRust]

Ill have to try that boil lineseed on one of my bikes 8)